Conveying apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for conveying articles the apparatus including transmission means ( 12 ) which includes endless transmission element ( 14 ); a plurality of element guide means ( 16 ) around which the transmission element extends; drive means for moving the transmission element; a plurality of article carriages ( 20 ) operatively connected to the transmission element for movement therewith; and orientation means ( 30 ) for maintaining the article carriages in a selected orientation as they move along the conveying path.

This invention relates generally to conveying articles. By articles ismeant any article, product, animal including persons.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyingapparatus which enables the conveyance of articles in a selectedorientation.

The conveying apparatus is suitable for use in many applications andexamples of such applications will be referred to later. The manyadvantages of the apparatus according to the invention will hereinafterbecome apparent from the following description.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is providedapparatus for conveying articles the apparatus including transmissionmeans which includes an endless transmission element; a plurality ofelement guide means around which the transmission element extends; drivemeans for moving the transmission element; a plurality of articlecarriages operatively connected to the transmission element for movementtherewith; and orientation means for maintaining the article carriagesin a selected orientation as they move along the conveying path.

The path of travel of the endless transmission element may take anysuitable configuration. Furthermore, it may be arranged to extend aroundany desired number of guides to suit the desired path of travel. It willbe appreciated however that the path of travel could be generallyvertical, horizontal, inclined or convoluted.

The apparatus may include a mounting assembly associated with eacharticle carriage. Each mounting assembly may include a primary loadsupport member to which an associated article carriage is mounted. Eachprimary load support member may be connected to the transmission elementsubstantially at a position adjacent to the transmission element. Eacharticle carriage may be operatively mounted to the primary load supportmember with which it is associated at a position such that bendingmoments resulting from the weight of the article carriage are minimised.In one form article carriage may include a platform section, the loadsupport member being disposed intermediate opposed ends of the platformsection.

In another form each article carriage includes a plurality of platformsections disposed in spaced relation and one above the other, the loadsupport member being disposed intermediate opposed ends of one of theplatform sections. Two or more load support members may be provided eachbeing associated with a respective one of said carriages. Such anarrangement minimises the distance between carriages and maximises thenumber of platform sections per given distance of transmission element.

In one form each carriage may be operatively connected to the endlesstransmission element in spaced relation from one another there along.Each primary support element may include an axle operatively connectedto the transmission element through a mounting bracket, the carriageassociated therewith being secured to a sleeve disposed on the axle forrelative rotation thereto.

Preferably, two transmission elements are provided which are arranged inspaced apart relation the primary load support members being operativelyconnected to both transmission elements and extending therebetween.

In one example embodiment of the invention two guide means are provided,one above the other and in spaced relation to one another. In thisparticular embodiment of the invention the element guide means may be inthe form of wheels around which the endless transmission elementextends. The endless transmission element may be in the form of a chainand in this particular form of the invention the guides may comprisechain sprockets. It will be appreciated however that in someapplications the endless transmission element may take other forms suchas for example a cable, belt or the like.

The drive means may take any suitable form. For example, the drive meansmay be operatively connected to one of the element guide means forcausing rotation thereof and in turn movement of the endlesstransmission element. The drive means may be in the form of a motor suchas an electric motor or an engine such as for example an internalcombustion engine.

In one form the orientation means may include a guide track having twoparallel side sections and opposed end sections. The side sections mayeach comprise a single guide path and each end section comprises threeguide paths. The orientation means may further includes trackingelements in the form of rollers which are arranged to track along theguide paths. The tracking rollers may in one embodiment be operativelyconnected to a support link which in turn is operatively connected tothe sleeve.

In another embodiment the orientation means includes a guide trackhaving two parallel side sections, a central section and opposed endsections. The side sections each comprise a single guide path. Theorientation means further includes tracking elements in the form ofrollers which are arranged to track along the guide paths, the trackingrollers being operatively connected to a platform.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings, and in those drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective of conveying apparatus according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a similar view to that of FIG. 1 with part of the apparatusremoved;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of part of the apparatus shown inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, and 6 a, 6 b are schematic side elevations ofthe apparatus illustrating how the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3operates;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of conveying apparatus accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that of FIG. 7 with part of the apparatusremoved;

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, 10 a, 10 b and 11 a, 11 b are schematic side elevationsof the apparatus illustrating how the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 8operates;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side elevation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7and 8; and

FIGS. 13 to 15 are schematic views of further embodiments of theinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6 there is shown a first embodiment of conveyingapparatus according to the present invention which is generallyindicated at 10 and includes transmission means 12 comprising two spacedapart endless transmission elements 14 in the form of chains 15 whichextend around guide means 16 in the form of sprockets 17 and 18. One ofthe sprockets is operatively connected to a drive motor (not shown)which causes the chains to travel around the sprockets associatedtherewith. Each transmission means 12 is mounted within a housing 19.

The apparatus further includes a plurality of article carriages orsupports 20 in the form of platforms 21 operatively connected to anddisposed between the two chains. To this end each platform 21 isoperatively connected to a mounting assembly 22 which includes an axle24 operatively connected at each end to respective chains 15 via abracket 25. The platform 21 is mounted on a sleeve 23 which in turn iscarried on the axle 24 so that it can rotate relative thereto.

The apparatus further includes orientation means 30 which comprises aguide track 31 having two parallel side sections 32 and 33 and opposedend sections 34 and 35. The side sections each comprise a single guidepath 36 and 37 wherein each end section comprises three guide paths 41,42, 43. The orientation means further includes tracking elements in theform of rollers 45 and 46 which together with the sleeve 23 are arrangedto track along selected guide paths (See FIGS. 4 to 6). Tracking rollers45 and 46 are operatively connected to a support link 47 which in turnis operatively connected to the sleeve 23.

The guide paths are formed by spaces between a central frame member 51and an outer peripheral frame member 52. At each end there are providedintermediate frame members 53 and 54 (See FIG. 6). The operation of theconveying apparatus of this embodiment will hereinafter be describedparticularly with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5.

The drive motor is actuated causing movement of the chains 15 around thesprockets 17 and 18. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) one of theplatforms 21 is about to move into the upper end section 34 and anotherplatform is about to leave that end section. As the platform enters theend section 34 the tracking roller 45 is caused to enter and move alongguide path 41. The curve of the guide path 41 at its entrance thencauses the sleeve 23 to move along guide path 42 and tracking roller 46is subsequently caused to move along guide path 43. Thus, it will bereadily apparent that the link 47 always maintains an uprightorientation and as such the platform a generally horizontal orientationwhether the link is tracking along the side guide paths 36 and 37 or theguide paths at each end. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) and 6(a) and 6(b)illustrate the platforms 21 at various positions along the guide path.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 12 there is shown a second embodiment ofconveying apparatus according to the present invention which isgenerally indicated at 110 and includes transmission means 112comprising two spaced apart endless transmission elements 114 in thefirm of chains 115 which extend around guide means 116 in the form ofsprockets 117 and 118. One of the sprockets is operatively connected toa drive motor (not shown) which causes the chains to travel around thesprockets associated therewith.

The apparatus further includes a plurality of article supports 120 inthe form of platforms 121 operatively connected to and disposed betweenthe two chains. To this end each platform 121 is operatively connectedto a mounting assembly 122 which includes an axle 124 operativelyconnected at each end to respective chains 115 via a bracket 125. Theplatform 121 is mounted on a sleeve 123 which in turn is carried on theaxle 124 so that it can rotate relative thereto.

The apparatus further includes orientation means 130 which comprises aguide track 131 having two parallel side sections 132 and 133, a centralsection 138 and opposed end sections 134 and 135. The side sections eachcomprise a single guide path 136 and 137. The orientation means furtherincludes tracking elements in the form of rollers 145 and 146 which arearranged to track along the guide paths. Tracking rollers 145 and 46 areoperatively connected to a platform 121.

The operation of the conveying apparatus according to the embodiment isdescribed with particular reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

As the claim 115 is driven around the sprockets 117 and 118 the trackingrollers 145 and 146 move along various sections of the guide path. Whena platform 121 is disposed within a vertical portion of the guide pathone of the tracking rollers 145 is disposed within guide path 136 andthe other roller 146 is disposed within the central section 138. As theplatform 121 approaches an end section tracking roller 145 is guidedinto the central section 138 and roller 146 is guided into section 137thus maintaining the platform 121 in a generally horizontal orientationat all times.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 are in essence the same as thosedescribed earlier except that the carriages or supports 20 or 120 eachinclude a plurality of platforms 21 or 121 which from a single unitcarried by one or more axles 24 or 124. In FIGS. 13 and 14 each carriageincludes three spaced apart platforms. In FIG. 15 there is shown anarrangement where each carriage includes seven platforms.

As mentioned earlier the apparatus of the present invention is suitablefor use in many applications. For example the apparatus could be usedfor the dispatch, storage and retrieval of vehicles in a multi-storybuilding or vertical car park. The car park may have a computerisedcontrol system that enables operator free dispatch, retrieval and cardcharge payment in combination with excellent security. The apparatuscould also be used to dispatch, store and retrieve documents/books inmultiple vertical horizontal or inclined layers with a computercontrolled system that provides a coded security system restrictingpersonnel to specific levels and availability of documents/books.Another example is in its use as a passenger elevator in a multi-storysituation with multi passenger cars simultaneously ascending anddescending in the one lift-well. Computer operation and destination iseffected by passenger or operator control. The apparatus may allow foremergency exit stairwells to be located in a vertical plane in thecenter of lift-well allowing the disembarking of passengers in anemergency at any level of the total lift height. Lift/elevators can beconfigured enabling every level of a multi-story building to have anelevator that is always ascending and descending. Yet another example isto dispatch store or retrieve products on multiple levels in verticalhorizontal or inclined planes thereby efficiently utilizing a givencubic space/area. It may be fitted with computerised control to enhancesecurity and speed of operation. Another example is that it could beutilised on aircraft carriers for quickly raising and lowering aircraftto and from the deck and hull of sea going vessels. It can also be usedon civilian or commercial vessels for the movement or storage of people,vehicles, products.

The conveying apparatus of the present invention as shown in thedrawings is able to utilise for conveying or storage the total depth ofany given site. Furthermore, the conveyor apparatus is designed to havethe conveyed weight in a vertical direction centred through the liftingand lowering transmission element so that any guidance system only hasto balance any weight variation on any carriage. This also enables therolling on or off of loads for conveying without torque twisting of thetransmission element. There is no lateral or angular tension added tothe vertical load weighting of the conveyor lifting or loweringtransmission element. The conveying apparatus can change the plane ofthe carriage during the movement through horizontal or angular sectionsof the circuit.

Finally, the service or replacement of lifting componentry eg. bearing,bushes, guides, shafts can be replaced from the external side of theguide system without the need to unload the conveyor/storage systems.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modificationsand/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions andarrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of theinvention.

1. Apparatus for conveying articles the apparatus including transmissionmeans which includes an endless transmission element; a plurality ofelement guide means around which the transmission element extends; drivemeans for moving the transmission element; a plurality of articlecarriages operatively connected to the transmission element for movementtherewith; and orientation means for maintaining the article carriagesin a selected orientation as they move along the conveying path. 2.Apparatus according to claim 1 including a mounting assembly associatedwith each article carriage, each mounting assembly including a primaryload support member to which an associated article carriage is mounted,each said primary load support member being operatively connected to thetransmission element substantially at a position adjacent to thetransmission element.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein eachsaid article carriage is operatively mounted to the primary load supportmember with which it is associated at a position such that bendingmoments resulting from the weight of the article carriage are minimised.4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each said article carriageincludes a platform section, said load support member being disposedintermediate opposed ends of said platform section.
 5. Apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein each said article carriage includes aplurality of platform sections disposed in spaced relation and one abovethe other, said load support member being disposed intermediate opposedends of one of said platform sections.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5wherein two or more said load support members are provided each beingassociated with a respective one of said carriages.
 7. Apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein each carriage is operatively connected toendless transmission element in spaced relation from one another therealong, each said primary support element including an axle operativelyconnected to the transmission element through a mounting bracket, thecarriage associated therewith being secured to a sleeve disposed on theaxle for relative rotation thereto.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 2wherein two said transmission elements are provided which are arrangedin spaced apart relation said primary load support members beingoperatively connected to both said transmission elements and extendingtherebetween.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein two said guidemeans are provided, one above the other and in spaced relation to oneanother.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the element guidemeans are in the form of wheels around which the endless transmissionelement extends.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the endlesstransmission element is in the form of a chain and the guides includechain sprockets.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the drivemeans is operatively connected to one of the element guide means forcausing rotation thereof and in turn movement of the endlesstransmission element.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theorientation means includes a guide track having two parallel sidesections and opposed end sections, the side sections each comprising asingle guide path and each end section comprises three guide paths, andtracking elements in the form of rollers which are arranged to trackalong the guide paths.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein thetracking rollers are operatively connected to a support link which inturn is operatively connected to the sleeve.
 15. Apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the orientation means includes a guide track having twoparallel side sections, a central section and opposed end sections, theside sections each comprising a single guide path, and tracking elementsin the form of rollers which are arranged to track along the guidepaths, the tracking rollers being operatively connected to a platform.